Vegetative propagation of stevia rebaudiana through stem cuttings

The study was conducted at College of Forestry, Sirsi, Karnatak during 2005. Stevia three node stem cuttings of size 10-15 cm length and less than pencil thickness diameter were prepared. These cuttings were dipped in 100, 300 and 500 ppm of IAA and Coumarin for five minutes. After dipping the cuttings were planted in polythene bag of size 4" X 6'' containing potting mixture at 2:1:1 ratio (Soil, sand and Farm yard manure respectively) and little vermiphos was also added to this mixture. These poly bags were kept in mist chamber for 35 days. Observations on number of roots and root length were recorded at 15, 25 and 35 days after planting. The study indicated that IAA and Comaorin 300 ppm concentration found suitable treatment for better rooting in Stevia. After 35 days of planting, significantly higher root length (7.40 cm) and number of roots were recorded with IAA 500 ppm followed by coumarin 500 ppm (7.00 cm). However coumarin 300 ppm (6.80 cm) and IAA 300 ppm (6.28 cm) were statistically on par with 500 ppm treatments respectively.